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Re: Cheap but reliable snubbie recommendations

I'm a Taurus fan too. One snubbie that's not mentioned for cheap and well built is the EAA Windicator. I have one of these too. I got it strictly as a home defense gun loaded with that expensive frangible ammo. I use all of my firearms and was absolutely SHOCKED at how accurate this 2 inch barreled revolver was. At 15 yards (which is probably twice as far as I would ever expect to USE this gun) I shot group after group (3 shots at a time) of NOT MORE THAN 1 1/4 inches. I don't use a mechanical rest, in fact with this little guy I only shoot off my elbows! Yes I do measure, and yes I do say WOW! It was cheaper than my Taurus, is now getting a lot more use than I originally intended, works all the time (it's fun to "play" with), and of my more than 2 dozen firearms is one of my favorites.

Re: Cheap but reliable snubbie recommendations

It's available in 3 frame compositions (steel, alloy, titanium)
I found the mid-weight alloy to be the best of all worlds,
weight and recoil-wise.

Stock Taurus rubber grips work well for me and very well for the girlfriend,
so you are saving a few dollars on aftermarket accessories.

There are only a few off the shelf 357 personal defense loads created with a snub nose barrel in mind, most are maximized for a 4'' barrel length.
This often means increased fouling due to unspent powder, increased muzzle flash and unnecessary additional expense- besides the wasted potential.
There are in my opinion many more 38sp + P loads designed for snub nose use that address the above.

I currently have 18 revolvers and pistols.
Lots of them are fun but I have a few that I prefer to count on if it would be my life on the line.
I love my former duty weapon, a 6'' S&W model 19 (nightstand gun).
Taurus Judge is fun and great for home defense but not always practical for carry save maybe in winter.
I like my Baby Desert Eagle 45 but the finish can be a concern.
I carry an HK USP 45 the majority of the time, my HK USP 9mm when
the 45 is "dirty" due to work (same manual of arms = stupid proof).
I like my Walther PPK/s for a backup but a rivet in the pockets of the brand of shorts I wear in summer often hits the mag release (draw n drop).

... BUT ... the one gun that I always have on my person, that is never too inconvenient to carry, that gets slipped into a front pocket when my wallet goes in the back one to leave for the day and that will never stovepipe or get pushed out of battery in a scuffle is the Taurus

Re: Cheap but reliable snubbie recommendations

Originally Posted by synergy

...but I've also seen more Taurus guns in action (and in repair) than those who take issue with my opinion of their product.

So exactly how many is that?

I ask because I too have seen a lot of Taurus guns "in action" as well as a couple in repair (I'm a gunsmith).
I would say they do not have an inordinate amount of failures. As good as a S&W? Probably not, but S&W is not in the $ range of the OP either. When compared to the other "cheap(er)" revolvers, IMO, Taurus is the best bang for the buck

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danbus wrote:...Like I said before, I open carry because you don't, I fight for all my rights because
you won't, I will not sit with my thumb up my bum and complain, because you will.